Any vinyl fans out there?
 

So what is the board's opinion of vinyl? Is it old and collectible? Is it a better way to listen to current music?

I debated with myself a while as to whether or not I really wanted to post in this thread, as it's been discussed so many times but I guess it's never "too much" when it comes to things I really love in this world.

Not all vinyl is "old" or even vintage. Some of it as seen as collectible, but most vinyl in existence (though sometimes rare) is just run of the mill. I have some picture discs/colored vinyl (which is collectible - some artists have released certain albums or singles on several different colors - a real project for completists) that I hardly ever play because of its monetary/collectible value.

Depending on your situation, it's a great format. You hear a lot more of the music as it's meant to be heard, and it has a warmer, more intimate sound quality. The full vinyl package is superior to CD, and even more superior to other digital formats. The album art is bigger, and the handling of the record is a loving thing. Collecting records is a commitment - you have to protect them from the elements (usually just extreme heat and water) and handle them with love. My boyfriend and I have 200-300 LPs & 12" maxi singles in our collection and a plethora of 7" singles.

I've been collecting for about 8 years now. My records make me happy, and they're nice to have when I'm just sitting upstairs in the apartment doing nothing, and I can't find anything online to quench my thirst for good tunes.

I find it very interesting that there are two levels of collectible. Some vinyl is collectible simply because it is from a different era, created to be played; while other vinyl was created for the purpose of being collectible.

I've never been able to hear much of a difference between a high quality record player and a good speaker setup for CDs/MP3s. I've listened to both extensively but CDs and MP3s/digital much more. I would still collect vinyl if I had more space/money just for the sentiment though, there's definitely something about the process that's endearing.

I started buying records before the days of CD's, when the choices were vinyl, 8-track, cassette, or reel to reel. When CD's came out, I started buying fewer records but never stopped buying them completely. When I got a computer and went online, I started downloading albums and my CD buying dropped to almost nothing, but I still bought vinyl.
I don't collect vinyl just for the sake of collecting. I buy it because I like the way it sounds and there is something about the ritual of taking a record out, cleaning it, putting it on the turntable and playing it. I also like the size of the album cover artwork and it's so much easier to read the liner notes and any other info included in the album.

Most of the vinyl I buy these days I get at yard sales, flea markets and record shows. I buy it used rather than new and find that the prices are much cheaper than I would pay at a record/CD store for used vinyl. Once in a while, I'll buy something brand new if I can't find it used in the condition I want it in.
I never set out to be a record collector. I just liked the music, and records were my preferred format when I started buying albums back in 1971.